Media today deepens understanding of the world around us, inspires commitment to protect and restore the natural systems upon which all life depends and empowers the radical changes that will be required to do so. Nature film’s equivalent to the Oscars®, the Jackson Wild Media Awards™ celebrate excellence and innovation in nature, science and conservation storytelling.
Entries must have been completed after June 1, 2021.
Entries must have been completed after June 1, 2021.
2022 Awards Categories
Content Categories
GENERAL SHORT ENTRY
Films between 5 and 20 minutes in runtime will submit a single entry for consideration in content categories and the craft category of cinematography.
Films between 5 and 20 minutes in runtime will submit a single entry for consideration in content categories and the craft category of cinematography.
ANIMAL BEHAVIOR
Awarded to the film that most effectively examines animal behavior in an innovative and illuminating way.
Awarded to the film that most effectively examines animal behavior in an innovative and illuminating way.
ECOSYSTEM
Awarded to the film that most effectively explores a habitat and the interconnectivity of its unique ecosystem.
Awarded to the film that most effectively explores a habitat and the interconnectivity of its unique ecosystem.
CONSERVATION
Awarded to the film that most effectively relates conservation issues and/or solutions and the individuals, groups or projects dedicated to the protection of a species, ecosystem, resource or any other aspect of the natural world.
Awarded to the film that most effectively relates conservation issues and/or solutions and the individuals, groups or projects dedicated to the protection of a species, ecosystem, resource or any other aspect of the natural world.
CHANGING PLANET
Awarded to the film that most effectively illuminates the forces affecting both our planet in the face of catastrophic climate change and biodiversity collapse, including social and environmental issues, equity and justice, public policy, community conservation and sustainability.
Awarded to the film that most effectively illuminates the forces affecting both our planet in the face of catastrophic climate change and biodiversity collapse, including social and environmental issues, equity and justice, public policy, community conservation and sustainability.
HUMAN PLANET
Awarded to the film that best encompasses the role of humanity as an interdependent part of nature, and how our relationship with nature is critical to our spiritual, social, cultural and personal identity as well as our health and prosperity.
Awarded to the film that best encompasses the role of humanity as an interdependent part of nature, and how our relationship with nature is critical to our spiritual, social, cultural and personal identity as well as our health and prosperity.
Program Categories
BREAKTHROUGH FILM
For outstanding achievement in nature related filmmaking in the face of adversity or limitations. Prioritizing films that are non-commissioned and not currently in commercial distribution, judging will be based on ingenuity, imagination, passion, and overall quality of the work. There is no fee for entry but along with the film, entrants must submit an essay (500 words or less) detailing the experiences confronted during the creation of the film including but not limited to: budgetary restraints, traditional, political, or cultural barriers, physical, technological and regional limitations. etc. Click Here for special entry requirements for this category.
For outstanding achievement in nature related filmmaking in the face of adversity or limitations. Prioritizing films that are non-commissioned and not currently in commercial distribution, judging will be based on ingenuity, imagination, passion, and overall quality of the work. There is no fee for entry but along with the film, entrants must submit an essay (500 words or less) detailing the experiences confronted during the creation of the film including but not limited to: budgetary restraints, traditional, political, or cultural barriers, physical, technological and regional limitations. etc. Click Here for special entry requirements for this category.
LIMITED SERIES
Awarded to the limited series that most effectively advances a natural history theme. Individual episodes may be entered into other categories. Entrants submit two episodes that best represent the series. Click Here for special entry requirements for this category.
Awarded to the limited series that most effectively advances a natural history theme. Individual episodes may be entered into other categories. Entrants submit two episodes that best represent the series. Click Here for special entry requirements for this category.
GLOBAL VOICES
For excellence in wildlife, conservation, science, social or cultural storytelling from less represented geographical and cultural perspectives. Prioritizing productions led by media makers in non-Western regions including but not limited to Asia, Africa, Central and South America, the Middle East, Micronesia and Indigenous communities around the world. Films produced in any language are encouraged to submit, English subtitles must be provided for judging.
For excellence in wildlife, conservation, science, social or cultural storytelling from less represented geographical and cultural perspectives. Prioritizing productions led by media makers in non-Western regions including but not limited to Asia, Africa, Central and South America, the Middle East, Micronesia and Indigenous communities around the world. Films produced in any language are encouraged to submit, English subtitles must be provided for judging.
ONSCREEN PERSONALITY
Awarded to the host, presenter, onscreen investigative journalist or collection of expert onscreen commentators that best engage the viewer while communicating the knowledge, message, mission and spirit of a film related to our natural world. Judging will be based not only on excellence and clarity in communication but also on tenacity, originality and ability to engage with new audiences.
Awarded to the host, presenter, onscreen investigative journalist or collection of expert onscreen commentators that best engage the viewer while communicating the knowledge, message, mission and spirit of a film related to our natural world. Judging will be based not only on excellence and clarity in communication but also on tenacity, originality and ability to engage with new audiences.
MICRO-MOVIE
Awarded to the most effective and compelling film under five minutes in runtime that best advances an understanding or appreciation of the natural world.
Awarded to the most effective and compelling film under five minutes in runtime that best advances an understanding or appreciation of the natural world.
FEATURE
Awarded to the feature-length film, 75 minutes or longer in runtime, factual or narrative, that best advances an understanding or appreciation of the natural world.
Awarded to the feature-length film, 75 minutes or longer in runtime, factual or narrative, that best advances an understanding or appreciation of the natural world.
STUDENT
For outstanding wildlife, environmental or natural science focused film produced by a student currently enrolled or no more than 2 years out of an academic program. Click Here for special entry requirements for this category.
For outstanding wildlife, environmental or natural science focused film produced by a student currently enrolled or no more than 2 years out of an academic program. Click Here for special entry requirements for this category.
Craft Categories
SOUND
Awarded for the combined contribution of sound editing, production mixing and post-production mixing that most enhances the nature related film of which it is a part. Click Here for special entry requirements for this category.
Judged by Television Academy Sound Peer Group.
Awarded for the combined contribution of sound editing, production mixing and post-production mixing that most enhances the nature related film of which it is a part. Click Here for special entry requirements for this category.
Judged by Television Academy Sound Peer Group.
CINEMATOGRAPHY
Awarded for the cinematography that most enhances the nature related film of which it is a part.
Judged by the American Society of Cinematographers.
Awarded for the cinematography that most enhances the nature related film of which it is a part.
Judged by the American Society of Cinematographers.
EDITING
Awarded for the editing that most enhances the nature related film of which it is a part of.
Awarded for the editing that most enhances the nature related film of which it is a part of.
ORIGINAL MUSIC SCORE
Awarded for the original musical score that most enhances the natural history story of which it is a part.
Awarded for the original musical score that most enhances the natural history story of which it is a part.
WRITING
Awarded for the writing that most enhances the natural history story of which it is a part through the union of imagery, storyline, dialog and narration. Click Here for special entry requirements for this category.
Awarded for the writing that most enhances the natural history story of which it is a part through the union of imagery, storyline, dialog and narration. Click Here for special entry requirements for this category.
Special Jury Recognition
First introduced in 2021, Jackson Wild's Special Jury Recognitions are not a competition — but rather a recognition by a jury of peers — celebrating impactful individuals and innovative content pushing the frontiers of storytelling about nature, science and conservation.
Nominations are free to submit, with Special Jury Recognitions curated and showcased to define key conversations at the Summit.
Nominations are free to submit, with Special Jury Recognitions curated and showcased to define key conversations at the Summit.
